How to Take Care of Skin After Sun Exposure
We all know the importance of sunscreen for skin care. Even on cloudy days, our skin can be damaged by the harmful effects of UV rays. In fact, using sunscreen every day is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Statistics show that by age 70, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. You can lower this risk by wearing a minimum of SPF 30 multiple times per day.
Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen
Aside from protecting your skin against the potential for skin cancer, there are many benefits to making sunscreen a part of your daily skin regime.
Prevent signs of aging: exposing your skin to UV rays with little to no protection can cause damage to your elastin, collagen, and skin cells. Over time, this can lead to premature signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, discoloration, and even leathery skin. Early signs of aging, called photoaging, are common in people who spend time in the sun without sunscreen – especially those in their 20s and 30s.
Reduce risk of sunburn: when you spend extended periods of time in the sun without sunscreen, or in tanning beds, your skin can become burned. This can cause your skin to peel, blister, and in the most extreme cases, can lead to sun poisoning. These blisters can even cause scarring. Using sunscreen multiple times per day, even when driving in the car, can minimize the risk of sunburn.
Prevent skin discoloration: as we age, we develop areas of skin discoloration. Often called “sunspots” or “age spots,” these areas of skin appear tan to brown in color. They often develop on the face and neck, but can also develop on the arms, hands, head, and feet. In the US, sunspots develop more on the left side of our face, arms, and hands due to exposure to the sun while we drive (opposite for European countries). It’s important to wear sunscreen while you drive. This can be as simple as applying a moisturizing product with at least 30 SPF, or a foundation with 30 SPF.
What To Do After a Day in the Sun
Whether you spend the day at the beach, pool side, hiking your favorite trail, or at an outdoor event, even with sunscreen you should take steps to replenish your skin after a day exposed to UV rays.
- A refreshing shower: after spending time in the sun, sand, salt, and chlorine can dehydrate your skin. A refreshing shower will help cool the skin and keep it clean.
- Clean your skin: after spending the day in the sun, you need to wash your skin clean of sunscreen. Sunscreen often becomes mixed with dirt and sweat, which can clog your pores.
- Hydrate and moisturize: spending time in the sun depletes your body, and skin, of its natural hydration. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids during and after a day in the sun. You should also use a hydration cream. Hydration creams include ingredients called humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, that absorb water from the atmosphere to hold your skin in place. A moisturizing cream contains oil-based ingredients, including occlusive agents, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, and emollients like esters and plant oils. They work by creating a seal on the surface of skin which prevents water from escaping. Together, these creams will replenish dry or damaged skin.
Collagen Queen’s Corner: Tip of the Week
Not all sunscreen products are created equal. Always check for the “ingredients” in your sunscreen. Remember your skin is the largest organ of your body and it absorbs everything.
Schedule your Rejuvalift skin care consultation today!
Your skin is the largest organ on your body, it’s often the last to receive the essential nutrients it requires to remain healthy and youthful. You need to protect it from harmful UV rays to stop premature signs of aging, as well as reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. At Rejuvalift, I offer customized skin care solutions to prevent and protect against sun damage.
